Husband and wife swingers found guilty of raping teenage girls

A husband and wife have been found guilty of raping three teenage girls.

Peter Griffiths, 65, and Avril Griffiths, 61, abused the girls in a number of locations including on a boat during the 1980s and 1990s.

On Thursday a jury at Cardiff Crown Court took less than four hours to return unanimous verdicts finding them guilty of rape, indecent assault and taking indecent photos of a child.

Both had denied the series of sex offences, with Peter Griffiths saying he had consensual sex with one of the girls and took photos of another with her permission when both were above the age of consent.

He denied having sex with one of the girls on a mattress in the back of his van, calling the allegations a "complete fabrication".

He admitted he and his wife took part in swinging, group sex and dogging during the 1980s and 1990s, saying it was done to "spice up our relationship".

He was found guilty of eight counts of rape, three of indecent assault and two of taking an indecent photograph of a child.

Prosecutor Caroline Rees QC told the court he was convicted in 1974 for a sex offence against a girl under the age of 16.

Avril Griffiths was found guilty of five counts of rape, two of taking an indecent photograph of a child and two of indecent assault.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins QC said: "You can both expect a considerable sentence for the offences of which you have been found guilty.

"If I am satisfied either of you is a dangerous offender, an extended sentence or even a life sentence would be appropriate."

The couple, from Barry Road, Barry, South Wales, were remanded in custody until sentencing on October 18.

After sentencing, Wendy Brady of the CPS said: "Peter and Avril Griffiths worked together befriending the girls before going on to sexually abuse them.

"They showed no regard for the welfare of the children they were abusing, treating them as objects to fulfil their sexual desires."

Detective Sergeant David Rich from South Wales Police gave a short statement outside court, saying the three victims who reported the couples' "depraved actions" had shown "immense strength and courage".

He said he hoped the verdict would give other potential victims "the confidence to come forward".

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